Paris 2024: Matt Richards ready for the summer of his life in and out of the water at the Olympic Games

Whatever happens in Paris during his second Olympic Games, Matt Richards’ life will be transformed this summer.

Richards was 18 when he made his Olympic debut in Tokyo, playing a key role in winning gold in the 4x200m freestyle.

Now 21, Richards has an individual world title under his belt and heads to Paris with even bigger ambitions, having qualified in the 200m freestyle at the expense of Olympic champion Tom Dean.

The focus will be on following in Dean’s footsteps, but it will be just as important when he returns to the UK, with Richards set to marry fellow swimmer Emily Large.

He said: “It’s going to be a busy summer, but I like to do everything at once. It’s nice to have something even more important to think about when I get back from the Games.

“I’ve always said pressure is a privilege. I’m in a very fortunate position to be where I am. Anyone who talks to me about pressure or expectations, I don’t see that as a bad thing in any way. I see that I have done something well, I really accept the challenge, I can’t wait to take it on.

“From my point of view, my plan is to go out there and enjoy every moment. I’ve always found that I run at my best when I’m happy and enjoying things. I can’t to be happier than that, at the top of the sport I can’t wait to go. The preparation has been fantastic. I’m in the shape of my life, mentally and physically, I can’t wait to go there and see. what I can do.

Richards triumphed in the 200m freestyle at the British Championships in April, beating Dean and Duncan Scott, who won gold and silver respectively in Tokyo.

He will be joined by Scott in the individual event in Paris, one of five events for Richards, who is also expected to compete in the 100m freestyle as well as three relays.

Great Britain will be favorites to retain the 4x200m freestyle crown, while Richards has a real chance of medaling in all five events: a feat that would see him overtake Scott, whose four medals in Tokyo were the most greatest achievements by a Team GB athlete at the same Games. .

If successful, Richards could enter a completely different stratosphere in terms of notoriety, and that’s something the youngster would embrace.

He added: “From my point of view, I know there are a lot of things at stake. I know how important this summer is, both for me but also for my future. But I can’t wait to go, I’m just excited to run.

“There is pressure, there is a certain level of expectation, but the most important thing for me is to do what I love, and I am lucky enough to say that I can do it every days and that I will do it at the Games.

“That’s what I’m going to focus on. The results will come from the work I put in in training and that attitude of going out and loving what I do is the best way to go. Who I know this which might happen after the summer, but for now I’m going to continue to be myself and try to do what I do.”